Seventeen years ago, when Rose Sexton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she thought her career as an artist was over. "I cried for a week, and then got an idea. If I could teach myself to control the tremors while painting and riding in a car, I could learn to control the paints, brushes and my hands." Larry, Sexton's husband, drove her all over Northern California and Rose painted. She made the tremors work for her instead of against her. As the featured artist for the Fremont Art Association (FAA) Showcase from May 4 to 20, this display is dedicated to his memory for she says, "without his support and inspiration none of it would have been possible."

Rose says she likes bright colors, and just naturally incorporates humor, whimsy and fun into her work. Over the years, she has expressed her art in various ways. At one time she designed and manufactured stuffed animals for companies all over the United States; among her clients was the well-known R. Dakin and Co. She even created crochet patterns for several thread companies for a while. But her love today is painting with watercolors, even watercolor markers, occasionally using bleach and vinegar on her pieces for a particular effect. Her subjects and techniques are unconventional and often surprise and delight the viewer. Rose always has pieces on exhibit at the FAA Gallery and in 2004, she received the Artist of the Year award from fellow artists.

She is primarily a self-taught artist, but has taken classes at Ohlone and Merritt Community Colleges. Rose says that life as it unfolds every day is the only inspiration she needs for motivation; the beauty and grace of the world around her is all she will ever need to continue to be inspired.